Just picture your fork sinking into a perfectly golden, tender cake, the rich, buttery goodness melting on your tongue. Now, drizzle on a warm caramel sauce spiked with the perfect amount of salt, sinking into every bite and ensuring it’s even more decadent. This is not just any dessert: it’s Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake, with flavorful layers of sweetness, salt, and buttery goodness.
Whether you’re making a cake for a special event or just want a little something decadent to snack on, this cake will definitely steal the show. So, let’s jump into this simple recipe and make some memories!
Why You’ll Love This Cake
Moist and Buttery — So rich and melts in the mouth with every bite.
Quick and Simple – Simple ingredients, no complicated steps, just pure baking magic.
Doused in a Buttery Sauce ― The warm butter sauce penetrates the cake so it is even moister.
Perfectly Balanced — The ideal flavor balance from the sweetness of the caramel and a pinch of salt.
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Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cake:
- 3 cups (13 ½ oz) plain flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup buttermilk (or fermented cow milk)
- 1 cup room temperature unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs
For the Buttery Caramel Sauce:
- ¾ cup sugar
- ⅓ cup butter
- 3 tablespoons water
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Step-By-Step Instructions
Prep the Oven & Pan
- Preheat the oven to 325°F.
- Generously grease and flour a Bundt pan—this ensures the cake comes out clean without sticking.
Mix the Cake Batter
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and baking soda.
- Whisk in buttermilk, butter, vanilla, and eggs.
- Using a hand or stand mixer on low speed, mix until no dry streaks remain.
- Increase the speed to medium and beat for 3 minutes, until smooth and creamy.
Bake to Perfection
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared Bundt pan.
- Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the kitchen to fill with the irresistible aroma of butter and caramel!
Make the Buttery Caramel Sauce
- Let the cake cool slightly while making the sauce.
- In a small saucepan, combine sugar, butter, water, and vanilla over low heat.
- Stir gently until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves into a smooth, velvety sauce.
- Avoid boiling to maintain a silky, rich texture.
Poke and Soak the Cake
- After 10 minutes, leave the cake in the pan and prick it all over with a fork or skewer.
- Drizzle the warm buttery caramel sauce over the cake, letting it soak into every nook and cranny.
- Let it sit for 15–20 minutes, then turn it out onto a serving plate.
How to Make the Best Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake
Use room temperature ingredients – This helps everything blend smoothly for a better texture.
Grease and flour the pan thoroughly – A Bundt cake should release easily for a flawless presentation.
Let the sauce soak in – Allowing the cake to absorb the buttery caramel enhances every bite.
Top with sea salt – If you love sweet and salty, a sprinkle of sea salt elevates the flavor even more!
Substitutions & Variations
Use a different extract – Swap vanilla with almond or maple extract for a new flavor twist.
Add nuts – Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch.
Extra caramel drizzle – Pour additional caramel sauce on top before serving for an indulgent touch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute salted butter for unsalted?
Yes! Salted butter enhances the salty-sweet interplay and deepens the flavor.
Can I prepare this cake in advance?
Absolutely! This cake tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Keep it covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
Can I freeze this cake?
Yes! Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost in the fridge overnight before serving.
Do I have to use a Bundt pan?
Nope! You can also bake this in a 9×13-inch pan, reducing the baking time to 40-45 minutes.
How should I serve this cake?
Serve warm with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or an extra drizzle of caramel sauce for the perfect treat!
In Closing: A Cake To Savor!
Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake is as much an experience as it is a dessert. From the first buttery bite to the last caramel-soaked crumb, this cake delivers pure comfort and indulgence.
Whether it’s for a cozy night in, a special occasion, or just because (who needs an excuse for cake?!), this recipe will become a favorite in your kitchen.
Try it out for yourself and let us know—are you all about sweet and salty too? Drop a comment below! Happy baking! 🍰✨
SALTED CARAMEL KENTUCKY BUTTER CAKE
Ingredients
- For the Cake:
- 3 cups / 13 1/2 ounces all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup buttermilk or fermented milk
- 1 cup butter room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 4 large eggs
- For the Sauce:
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup butter
- 3 tablespoons water
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
Instructions
- As your kitchen transforms into a haven of heavenly aromas, preheat the oven to a cozy 325°F. Imagine generously greasing and flouring a Bundt pan, ready to cradle the magic that is about to unfold.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Now, envision adding the buttermilk, butter, vanilla, and eggs, each ingredient joining the dance in perfect harmony. With the mixer set to low, let the ingredients mingle until moistened, then elevate the speed to medium and beat for a mesmerizing 3 minutes.
- Spoon the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly like a golden promise. As the cake bakes in the preheated oven, visualize the kitchen becoming a sanctuary of warmth and anticipation. After 55 to 65 minutes, a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean – a sign that your masterpiece is ready to emerge.
- While the cake cools slightly, conjure a small saucepan on the stovetop. Combine sugar, butter, water, and vanilla, allowing them to meld together over low heat. Stir until the butter melts, creating a tantalizing caramel sauce. Resist the urge to let it boil – this blend is meant to be a velvety embrace.
- Now, as the cake rests on a wire rack, pierce it with a fork or skewer, creating little pockets of anticipation. Picture pouring the warm butter sauce over the cake, each drop a promise of indulgence. The sauce seeps into every nook and cranny, transforming your creation into a masterpiece of sweetness.
